ASPCA

THANK YOU ASPCA!

We have wonderful news to share! Wild Love Preserve is honored to be the recipient of an ASPCA Grant towards our 2016 programs!

We are deeply appreciative of this ASPCA support which intently benefits Wild Love Preserve's collaborative model and continued work with the preservation of native Idaho wild horses on their home turf in Central Idaho.

It takes widespread action to implement lasting positive change. As 2015 winds down, we invite you to help WLP in saving Idaho wild horses and their indigenous habitats with your year-end donations. 

If you believe in the importance of our nation’s wild places, now and for future generations, you can make a difference when you take action here:  Join The Wild Heart Movement™

As well, we love recognizing our supporters here: WLP Giving List

Thank You for Your Heart and Action! 

ESTB. 2010

"Life requires our participation, to fully engage. Wild Love Preserve is about all of us, as a whole. A reflection of our humanity. Wild Love chooses to be that which we wish to see in our mirror: love, respect, compassion, understanding, tolerance, and the appreciation of lessons learned, versus mistakes repeated. Wild Love believes in our better selves. We are stronger together and can achieve more by opening doors and walking in, versus turning our backs. At times it may seem easier to turn a blind eye, however that comes with consequence. We are all in this life, this conscious state, together and together we will fly.”  - Andrea Maki, 2010

Faith in Action

In October 2011 I was invited to write a story about Wild Love Preserve for Courageous Creativity Magazine by Flying Chickadee. The theme of their November issue was Faith, hence the resulting story.

Faith In Action: Wild Love Preserve  By Andrea Maki

Faith. Faith is a living, breathing action. It is a way of life. It is an understanding that all things are purposeful, including those challenges which take us to the edge, and sometimes over. The greater the "why" becomes, the greater the trust, or faith, in the whole and the fact we are always right where we need to be, learning those lessons which need to be learned. Wild Love Preserve is faith in action and constant motion.

I live in a sustained jump, often tested. The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree. My life has always been one of truth, action, perseverance, consideration of the whole, and trust in the Universe. My intent has always been to promote positive energy, awareness, compassion and action. I am guided by a deep appreciation of life's interconnectedness. We are all of the same energy, simply in different packages - whether you or I, the animals, birds or trees, the water or wind - we are literally the same. This awareness gives rise to great compassion and mutual respect for all living things. One does not harm that which one respects, for it is understood one only harms oneself in the process, and in turn impacts the whole.  

Animals are our teachers, man has much to learn. Humans are not superior to all else. The belief that man sits atop a pyramid of life, here to do as he pleases, has brought us to the state we are in today. At the extreme cost of the whole, many two-leggeds are disconnected and concerned only with their own immediate needs and desires. They fall short of understanding that humans are but a mere part of the whole and that within that whole lies a very delicate balance. The magic of life lies within a sacred circle. As humans we have a responsibility and we have a choice. Life requires our participation, to fully engage. To walk this earth must not be taken for granted. It is our responsibility to protect and care for the land. To respect the earth and all its inhabitants, acting with conscience and awareness. It is vital that we learn from the past and apply that knowledge in a positive manner moving forward.  

I am an animal person. Wild horses speak to all that I am. Their strength, beauty, perseverance and eternal belief, resonates with my truth as an active part of my being. In June 2005 I traveled to Southern California to photograph wild horses for a new body of artwork, a continuation of my 1999 Wild Horse series. It was then I learned of the devious actions of Senator Conrad Burns (MT), a former livestock auctioneer. In November 2004, during the late night hours, he attached a rider to the 2005 US Appropriations Bill, which went unnoticed by other Senators. The subsequent passing of this bill officially gutted the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act, opening the door for our (wild) horses to be sent to slaughter and instigating the trafficking of wild horses to benefit private enterprise.  

Upon learning of this critical state of affairs, my own artwork (career) was put on hold as I focused on the self-created "Wild Horse Project" to promote support and awareness - driven by a passionate dedication to help right a wrong and do what I could in the efforts to save our wild horses. This ever-evolving project launched with a self-designed and published 2006 calendar featuring black and white photographs, titled "In the Spirit of One - To Save the Wild Horses".  As a gesture of awareness with a personal request to act responsibly, I sent a signed calendar to every Member of Congress. In addition this project has resulted in various bodies of wild horse artwork, including pieces created for auction to benefit the cause, traveling art installations, greeting cards, published writings, and now Wild Love.  

In late March 2010, the Wild Love Mission was set in motion when my dog, Kiowa, and I traveled to Ketchum, Idaho for her surgery. I had hopes of spending time with the regional Wild Challis Herd, photographing for new work while Kiowa recuperated. That was not meant to be.  However, thanks to a wondrous series of "coincidences" I did find myself amidst the intense magic of some of these regional wild ones, just not in the wild.  I quickly understood this was not to be about photographing for new artwork. Something much larger and Universal was unfolding.   

As fate would have it, on April 1, 2010 Wild Love was born of this purposeful, “chance” encounter and a promise made, eye to eye, heart to heart, with 21 wild mares, most pregnant, from a 2009 government (BLM) roundup. They have come from the wild, speak for the whole, and take us back to their specific home in the wild under evolved circumstances. In response to this promise made and critical need, I have established non-profit status and am creating Wild Love Preserve as a unique and sustainable wild preserve in the Northern Rockies dedicated to protecting our iconic wild mustangs in their native habitat, while preserving this wild ecosystem as a whole, now and for countless generations to come. The intent is to create an expansive protective corridor in an existing Herd Management Area (HMA) on our wild public lands. This HMA exists as such because it is the native home to numerous bands of wild horses, however this same public land is also divided into multiple grazing parcels for private ranching outfits to graze their livestock. This wilderness has been their home for centuries, yet this American Icon is now in peril at the hand of man and timely action is needed before these majestic beings become but a distant memory.  

Wild Love Preserve is dedicated to the greater good of our wild planet, which carries on long after we today, travel elsewhere. This is not a fenced wild horse sanctuary. Due to the logistics of our unique location, this specific working intent goes direct to the source in the wild and works towards solutions which put an end to the inhumane helicopter round ups and displacement of our wild horses and their families in the first place. There are other responsible ways to approach this situation which do not require their removal in this manner. While the earth and its inhabitants are not for us to "own", respectfully speaking, these are our wild horses, our wild public lands and our heritage. Many are unaware of this dire reality in which wild lives are paying the ultimate price and are equally unaware that these roundups and long term holding facilities are funded by American taxpayers. 

Wild Love's interests lie in working with the Bureau of Land Management and local ranchers in a new light. While opinions are varied, differences heard, Wild Love Preserve believes that by working together we have an opportunity to create something new, special and lasting. Together we have the ability to turn a page in the history books. The time is primed, good will and energy are abundant. The foundation has been laid, progress ever-evolving. Vital funding is the only critical component missing and therefore causing delays in key negotiations with the BLM. Paramount floodgates will open with ownership on our target property and operations base, thus sponsors and donors are actively sought, along with outlets for Wild Love Brand products created to support the cause. Wild Love Preserve is truly about all of us, a reflection of our humanity.  

To See Published Story Visit: Courageous Creativity, Pages 12-15.

Visit The Dodo to Read: Kiowa's Story

Kiowa

IN LOVING MEMORY AND GRATITUDE

For those who have read the Wild Love story (See Courageous Creativity, Faith in Action, Nov 2011, Pages 12-15) and have asked... this is Kiowa, my trusty sidekick. Because of Kiowa's elbow replacement surgeries at Sun Valley Animal Center in 2010, we subsequently have Wild Love Preserve.

On October 19, 2015, things changed. Kiowa crossed over at 1:30 in the afternoon and the sun broke through the clouds to shine directly upon us after we loving laid her to rest in her spot at the front of our house. She waited for my dad and Jasper to get here to say goodbye, and I was fortunate enough to witness the sweetest goodbyes from my cats Geronimo and Cisco earlier that morning. Years ago, Kiowa rescued Geronimo in the eleventh hour, and he has since been grateful and deeply attached to his Kiowa.

Over the last 11 years Kiowa and I have been apart all of 30 days total. Partners in crime to the core, adventures at every turn. As many know, Kiowa was abandoned at SeaTac Airport in December 2004 when we were restoring my dad's (Robert Maki) 1972-73 airport sculpture and moving it to its outdoor park location at the new southend terminal. After a week of trying to catch her, we succeeded the night before the flatbed arrived for installation. We later learned she was roughly nine months old (one ear still down), had been abused and shot full of buckshot and BB's.

Kiowa’s thirst for adventure remained paramount through her life and her stories are what make movies and books. Letting her self out of a house or garage, to return after she felt her point had been made; leading us on a full-speed chase through streets and parking lots full of Christmas shoppers, within 48 hours of her initial capture, with me driving my truck in and out of oncoming traffic to alert folks of her presence as we tried to catch her; and I still wonder how it appeared for folks on main street in Bend, Oregon to look up and see a big German Shepherd cruising atop the roof-edge of a three or four-story building as we ran behind trying to stop her from jumping over to the next building. For the longest time, we would often have to start driving away, with her racing behind to get her to jump into the back of the truck and go. That said, she went everywhere with me, because she did not like to be left at home.

She has survived many incidents in her life in addition to being shot full of buckshot and BB's. Getting spooked by cheering baseball fans and busting through a truck canopy side window in downtown Seattle traffic following a winning Mariner’s game, only to have us going all directions to get her back into the truck without being hit by a car or train; kicked by a quarter horse; stomped by a bull; almost drowned in an irrigation ditch on the East Fork of the Salmon in Idaho; elbow and elbow replacement surgeries; had a half frozen 100 pound bale of hay thrown from a big rig square onto her back, and the list goes on. To say the least, she's no pansy and adventures were always plentiful.

A miracle dog, wonder dog, fast as the wind, and smart as a whip. She's also a magical being with healing powers, respects other animals, and has helped, even saved, multiple lives - squirrels, cats, dogs, birds, wild horses and others. She's kept us from harms way in the woods with bears and bobcats, and at home has been the ultimate security force when we've had uninvited two-legged guests. As mentioned, Kiowa is behind the existence of Wild Love Preserve, hence saving Idaho wild horses on home turf, and the greatest dog a girl could ever ask for. Rescuing her all those years ago was life-changing and a high point of my life on this earth plane, opening the floodgates to an endless array of happenings and adventures.

Everyone who met Kiowa loved and appreciated her gentle ways and polite manners, and she was always invited inside, to gatherings and kids birthday parties. Skiddish of adults due to her initial mistreatment, she let kids crawl all over her and calmed other pups in ways that left their human counterparts amazed. 

Here's a few favorite photos, including the above of Kiowa a few months after we connected running at full speed in all her glory! Luckily true love lasts forever, however this hole in my heart will take a while to mend and she will be missed beyond measure.

Love surrounds and this love knows no bounds. Forever and always, my love-bug. Forever and always. 

xox

 

Read Kiowa's Tribute Posted to The Dodo: http://bit.ly/Kiowa-Tribute2015

Saylor Creek

In response to recent inquiries regarding the Saylor Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) in the Twin Falls District of Idaho and the BLM's management proposal for a non-reproducing herd:

Yes, in addition to WLP's work with the Challis Wild Horses for over five years, Wild Love Preserve directly advocates and works with the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding all six wild horse HMAs in Idaho state, and this includes our boots-on-the-ground negotiations and efforts (versus lawsuit) on the Saylor Creek HMA. 

Wild Love Preserve is not a non-profit in the business of raising donations for litigation to pay salaries of those running our organization, litigation which also cost additional taxpayer dollars. We have not received federal dollars, but rather saved taxpayers $3.5M since 2013 with our programs on and off the range. 100% of your donations to nonprofit Wild Love Preserve directly benefit and support the lasting preservation of Idaho wild horses on home turf. Simple.

Please know your support is very appreciated and makes a real difference. Together we save wild lives.

Visit the WLP Giving List to donate and join The Wild Heart Movement.

THANK YOU.

Join The Wild Heart Movement™

Idaho and all Wild Hearts love and appreciate Idaho wild horses and the indigenous wildlands they call home. In motion since 2010, Project Wild Love Preserve's work with the Challis Herd focuses on collaborative conservation of native wild horse population(s) on our public rangelands in a humane, non-lethal, inclusive manner that nurtures the total health and balance of respective indigenous ecosystems. By accounting for all facets of wild horse preservation on home turf, we currently work to serve the well-being of 330+ native wild horses - from the 200+ roaming free on the Challis Herd Management Area (HMA) to our adopted 130 Challis, Idaho wild horses as result of the 2012 Helicopter Roundup of the Challis HMA. By design, our adopted WLP Wilds have been removed from the taxpayer system and will remain wild and forever together on WLP private wild expanse on home turf in Central Idaho. WLP's model in co-existence offers a viable, fluid, all-inclusive option to existing federally funded helicopter roundups and removals of native wild horses, and by design serves to benefit the wild, community, surrounding region and state of Idaho. In addition to the Challis HMA, Wild Love Preserve advocates and works with the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding all six wild horse HMAs in Idaho state. 

Thank you for joining with us in this Wild American Legacy Project. That which we collectively do today, carries on for countless generations to come.

JOIN THE WILD HEART MOVEMENT™


Inner Compass

High adventure, some call high risk, has been plentiful in this life. At my core a grounded and innate constant. This active awareness of our interconnectedness which I arrived with back on this day in 1966, remains my inner compass. Truth in being, our oneness in energy, trust in that often unseen. One love is a simple fact and engages all. 

 Wild Love Note, 2010

 Wild Love Note, 2010

That said, it seems a good day to re-share this timeless message from 2010 upon inception of Wild Love Preserve. This project being an integral extension of my way of life, art and work.

"I am all the forces with which I come in contact. I am the wind and the rain. The stars, the light, the in between. The waves, the trees, the animals and winged ones. The thundering hooves. We are one. Resonate with One.

May your days be filled with good energy and the joy of new and deeper truths and discoveries. May eyes, hearts and arms open to the reality of the family we are: reflections of one another. One, simply in different packages - whether you or I, he or she, the animals, birds or trees, the water, the wind.

May the wild, stay wild. The free, roam free. May the thrill of Universal oneness fill all with compassion and understanding, rising above all drawn lines. May all humans, the two-legged ones, come to fully understand that we are but a mere part of the whole, and that within that whole lies a very delicate balance, which must be respected, now and forever, for all generations to come.

As humans we have a responsibility, and we have a choice. To walk this earth must not be taken for granted. It is our responsibility to protect and care for the land. To respect the earth and all its’ inhabitants, acting with conscience and awareness. One does not harm that which one respects, for it is understood one only harms oneself in the process, and in turn impacts the whole.

Life requires our participation, to fully engage. Wild Love Preserve is about all of us, as a whole, a reflection of our humanity. Wild Love chooses to be that which we wish to see in our mirror: love, respect, compassion, understanding, tolerance, and the appreciation of lessons learned versus mistakes repeated. Wild Love believes in our better selves. We are stronger together and can achieve more by opening doors and walking in versus turning our backs. At times it may seem easier to turn a blind eye, however that comes with consequence. We are all in this life, this conscious state, together... so together, let's fly.”  

•

“Wild Love Preserve is named such because it is dedicated to the greater good of our wild planet, now and for future generations, centering on humanity, compassion, sustainability, two-legged accountability and our responsibility to the whole.” 

- Andrea Maki, WLP Founder

Wild Red

A TRIBUTE TO THE ONE AND ONLY, WILD RED (STALLION), FEATURED IN ALL ANIMALS MAGAZINE, JULY/AUGUST 2014.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved horses. As a professional artist, I often incorporate photographs I’ve taken of horses into mixed-media pieces. It was through my art that I learned about the plight of wild horses in the United States and the annual roundups that have resulted in more than 50,000 wild mustangs in government holding facilities throughout the West.

In 2010, I founded the Wild Love Preserve in Central Idaho dedicated to the Challis wild horse herd. I took this photo one summer evening after trekking across the bridge to watch two bands on the preserve. Wild Red charged across the field toward me, dust flying, in all his wild glory. He stopped about 30 feet away before sidestepping, shaking his mane and tail and snickering. Then he charged back to continue defending his mares from the white-masked stallion (seen in the background). Wild Red has since passed away, but I’ll never forget his wonderful theatrics.

-Andrea Maki

 

SODA Wildfire Wrap

Friends… As we start this holiday weekend in the US, the Idaho BLM emergency gathers due to the SODA Wildfire SW of Boise conclude. I want to send out a special note of acknowledgement and appreciation to everyone who has rallied in support of the affected Idaho Wilds. Please know you make a positive difference in a multitude of ways and your support will continue to matter and be felt.

In total 279 Idaho wild horses were brought in from Sands Basin, Hardtrigger and Black Mountain HMAs. They will temporarily reside at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals which were modified to address numbers and circumstances, When their home habitats recover they will be returned to their respective herd management areas. Yesterday 61 wild horse supporters visited the Boise Wild Horse Corrals.

It is no surprise, that wild horses on the Sands Basin HMA continued to evade removal efforts. 28 of roughly 70 Sands Basin wilds were removed, so Idaho BLM will return to set hay and water traps in effort to bring in remaining wild horses. Because Sands Basin was a total loss to wildfire and winter seems to be coming early, these wild horses will not have sufficient forage if they were to be left on home range. Human intervention is a tricky thing and this situation proves a challenging catch-22. We don’t want to see wilds brought into temporary corrals, yet loss of vegetation to wildfires leaves inadequate conditions through winter. It’s really tough.

While Hardtrigger and Sands Basin HMAs were a total loss,1/3 of the Black Mountain HMA was scorched, therefore Idaho BLM released the low AML number of wild horses back home yesterday. Approximately 42 Black Mountain wild horses will remain on range until the rest can join back up with them when vegetation is sufficient. Let’s hope in this instance, it will be by summer 2016 due to only 1/3 of range loss.

We will continue to bring you updates as activity plays out, not only with Sands Basin wild horses, but with all Idaho Wilds in temporary residence at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals. For original details that brought us here, please visit WLP SODA Wildfire Report published in The Dodo: http://bit.ly/dodo-sodafire

In closing, please continue to focus energy on these Idaho Wilds. While safe, and cared for, it is not easy for them to be in this limited space. Your clear visualizations of protection, good health, strength and patience, will serve as a collectively powerful force. Your compassion and action are appreciated beyond measure.

Andrea Maki, Wild Love Preserve 

#‎SodaFireGather

Skin In The Game

This post is rooted in a promise to share this bit of the WLP journey. Yesterday a guy at my hand rehab session was asking me about what I do, my busted hand, etc, and Wild Love Preserve. He responded with, “Sometimes, it takes a girl to be a man." 

In our conversation I mentioned it wasn't my style to share details of hiccups. He replied, “You’re wearing your unwavering dedication to those wild horses for the world to see. Be proud of those scars and promise me you'll share your story with others. People need to hear about your resilience.”

So, I’m keeping my word. Back in July 2013, I busted multiple bones in my left hand while we were trimming our adopted Challis wild horse’s hooves. We had to trim the hooves of our WLP wilds because I had yet to rally the financial support to acquire our wild expanse. Once we turn WLP wilds back out to their native habitat hooves will again wear naturally.

Skin in the game comes in various forms. Donations and grants haven’t fully covered project expenditures, so I’ve accessed my resources to cover corral leases, hay, vet bills and monthly BLM required compliance checks. As result I wasn’t in a financial position to have the recommended surgery to repair my hand at the time of injury. Instead it was “grin and bear it” style as the doctor pressured bones back into place and set my hand and arm in a cast. As it turned out, bones slipped and I’ve had a bum left hand for the last two years.

Skip to June 2015, I was a bit surprised to learn my only option for recovering most, but not all, of my hand function, required having bones re-busted, re-aligned, plates and screws installed. So on July 29, two years after my original busted bones, I had a do-over with hand surgery, followed by stringent hand rehab therapy. I haven’t been able to make a fist for the last couple years, so, to say the least, I am over the moon about getting my hand back. No matter the discomfort, I’ve got my eye on the prize and by the end of the year should be good to go!

While I find it awkward to share this personal bit, I do agree with wearing scars proudly. One needs to own their path, and my scars result from helping others and saving wild lives. I am fiercely adamant about integrity, taking action, walking one’s talk and follow through, and have always operated outside of the box giving a 150%. In the case of Wild Love Preserve, this laser-focus has been on the creation of a new model in protecting and preserving native wild horses on home turf in a lasting manner. Relevant to note, Wild Love Preserve programs have also saved American taxpayers $7.5 million since 21013.

The lasting preservation of native wild horses matters. Project Wild Love Preserve is a multi-faceted venture with great challenges, and countless twists and turns. When you believe in something, and when it really matters, you've gotta dive in, get dirty and stay true to your inner compass. Keep your eye on the end game, and never let others undermine your efforts. 

Follow your heart, simple.

Andrea Maki, Founder, Wild Love Preserve

 

SODA Wildfire Update

WLP Update: SODA Wildfire + Impacted Idaho Wild Horses

Friends… as promised, we are offering this update to our WLP report from August 21 regarding the SODA Wildfire SW of Boise and impacted Idaho Wilds.

The Idaho BLM will begin emergency gathers in the morning on impacted Hardtrigger, Sands Basin and Black Mountain Herd Management Areas (HMAs). In total 285,000 acres of SW Idaho rangeland has burned, including the entirety of Hardtrigger and Sands Basin HMAs. Read initial WLP Special Report for SODA wildfire devastation details posted in The Dodo: http://bit.ly/dodo-sodafire

There will be one public observation day on August 27 as gather begins on Sands Basin HMA. There is a suitable pocket of unburned vegetation where Idaho BLM feels they can situate interested public without causing disruption and additional stress to wild horses.

In total, approximately 285 horses will be removed. All wilds on Hardtrigger and Sands Basin HMAs will be removed due to total loss of their range and vegetation, and roughly 65 wild horses will be removed from Black Mountain HMA which saw a 1/3 of rangeland lost to fire. Approximately 15 wild horses will be returned to Black Mountain to reflect low-AML (Appropriate Management Level) of 30 wilds for the this HMA.

Idaho Wilds will be moved to the Boise Corrals which are situated on 20 acres. Due to Idaho wilds extended stay while rangeland recovers, required care and monitoring, these pens have been re-designed and enlarged to handle this number of wild horses, which totals 101,375+ square feet of corral space.

While WLP had advocated for keeping family bands together, Idaho BLM feels it is not feasible to keep them intact due to risk of infighting, resulting injury, and because they will NOT be gelding wild horses to be returned to their respective HMAs, hence separation also remedies any extracurricular activity (breeding) while in temporary facilities. That said, wild moms and their babes will remain together, and for that we are very appreciative. Idaho BLM will offer public tours at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals on Monday, August 31 from 1- 2 p.m.

In closing here is a recent photo from the range taken by the Idaho Burned Area Emergency Response Team, along with photo above from our initial WLP report. We will continue to update as this situation progresses, and thank you again for your kindness, support, patience and understanding as logistics continue to unfold. 

Andrea Maki, Founder/President. Wild Love Preserve

Read as Published in The Dodo: http://bit.ly/dodo-sodafire

SODA Wildfire 2015

SPECIAL REPORT: SODA WILDFIRE 2015 + IMPACTED IDAHO WILDS

Dear Friends,

As many are already aware, Wild Love Preserve is rooted in bringing all stakeholders together in a new light, opening fluid lines of communication and finding common ground on behalf our greater whole and the lasting preservation of our beloved wild horses. Over the last five years Wild Love Preserve has engaged public and private lands to address all facets of regional wild horse management on home turf in Central Idaho, from our adopted 130 Challis, Idaho wild horses to our collaborative work on the range with the BLM and WLP Volunteers. In addition to the Challis Herd Management Area (HMA), Wild Love Preserve advocates and works with the Idaho BLM regarding all six wild horse HMAs in Idaho state. That said, in response to countless inquiries, we will be sharing information and updates regarding Idaho wild horses impacted by the SODA Wildfire in SW Idaho, to include Hardtrigger, Sands Basin and Black Mountain HMAs.

The SODA Wildfire no longer burns, however the devastation left in its wake is heart-wrenching and very hard to swallow. Wild horses are stressed, fearful and confused by the wildfire, fire suppression activities, and now lack of forage on their home lands. The range is a sea of charred black vegetation. On August 14, twenty-seven wild horses were lost on the Hardtrigger HMA, overtaken by wildfire in an area where gates had been opened by the BLM. Wilds were found on both sides of the fence, along with coyotes, rabbits and other wildlife unable to outrun the fast-moving intensity of this wind-driven range fire. It is extremely challenging to go there in ones mind and feel this situation unfolding, but still, I wish to ask everyone to please take a moment and honor all lost in this natural disaster.

At this time logistics continue to unfold rapidly in response to this emergency state. The well-beings of stressed, injured and displaced wilds are paramount, time is of the essence. There are approximately 70 wild horses on the Sands Basin HMA, 150 wilds on the Hardtrigger HMA, and 80 on the Black Mountain HMA. In the best interest of the wilds, Idaho BLM is initiating emergency gathers that will begin in the next week or so. This is going to require complete removal on the Sands Basin and Hardtrigger HMAs because of wildfire burning the entirety of both HMAs. As for Black Mountain HMA, Idaho BLM will remove down to the low-AML count of approximately 30 wilds in response to roughly 1/3 of this HMA being burned.  

Wild horses will be returned to their respective HMAs once rehabilitation and range recovery has taken place. Based on past range fires and forage recovery, this could be 1-2 years. It is likely that many horses are going to need special attention (supplements, vet care, etc.) for several months due to the fire, trauma, conditions and stress they have experienced. That said, this initial care will require temporary corral settings so they can be observed, monitored and provided with the care they may need on a daily basis. Again, this is all unfolding and it is yet unknown what to fully expect regarding health conditions and recovery times. Discussions of temporarily keeping them in larger corral settings after recovery will happen in time, but it is impossible to have all these logistics and answers right now, therefore WLP will share regular updates as things progress.

At this moment, one of Idaho BLM’s primary considerations for this emergency gather is situating bait traps as close as possible to the horses in order to minimize further exertion, panic and stress. There is great consideration being given to honoring public viewing opportunities, however all hiding cover has been burned to the ground. That said, I would like to make a personal request with all due respect to rightfully concerned advocates, asking to please, please keep in mind the precarious circumstances at hand and trauma these wild horses have already experienced. All movement right now is extremely delicate and risky due to the wilds panicked state. While Idaho BLM is still assessing whether public viewing during emergency gathers will be possible, please be understanding if this ends up being problematic and know actions are not intended as calculative, but rather trying to best address wild horse safety. There will be observation tours available at the Boise Wild Horse Corrals beginning a few days after the start of the emergency gathers.

In closing, the photograph included with this report, of a lone wild mare amidst a sea of charred black range, speaks volumes. Thank you for your understanding, kindness, patience and heart during this very difficult time. Your good energy and support makes a world of difference and is truly appreciated.

Andrea Maki, Founder/President. Wild Love Preserve

Read as Published in The Dodo: http://bit.ly/dodo-sodafire

Sweet Apache

My sweet Apache is the first Challis wild I adopted in December 2012, following the October 2012 Challis BLM Helicopter Roundup. She's a very sensitive gal and all about one-on-one visits versus group hellos. Notice how she artfully checks the positioning of others and her surroundings before coming my way. Many wonderful wilds have since followed - all respected, treasured and loved - but this is where it started. True, lasting, wild love.   -Andrea Maki, WLP Founder

Video ©2015 Andrea Maki, Music by Eagleheart

Sydney and Her Wild Band

Two years ago, our iddy-biddy Sydney gave us a serious and recurring scare when she got kicked in the side of her face at two-months old, leaving her left facial muscles paralyzed for some time. It was touch and go, and for over a year she required extra care and attention, growing much slower than the rest. Thankfully "our little engine that could" was a spitfire at heart, and now she is all grown-up, healthy and a happy wild! 

Video ©Andrea Maki 2015. Music by Eagleheart.

We are forever thankful for this wild wonder's wonder and her most loving and adorable personality. She will always be our most beloved little Sydney. The grey and white wild beauty at the end of the video-clip is Sydney's mom, Robin, who was often an absentee parent, so we are thrilled they are running the same circle again.

WLP and YEP Partner

WLP and Y.E.P. missions compliment each other well and we are very pleased to join together on behalf of our inclusive well-beings. Wild Love Preserve and Salmon, Idaho's Youth Employment Program have partnered to offer an expanse of opportunities which serve to benefit Idaho wild places, youth employment and education programs, and local communities in a current and lasting manner.

The Youth Employment Program was founded in 1994 by Executive Director, Steve Adams, and remains based in Salmon, Idaho. Y.E.P. is a non-profit organization created to foster an atmosphere of educational development and provide employment opportunities for young adults in local communities. 

For over twenty years Y.E.P. has been making a positive difference in the lives of Idaho youth and the local communities where they live and work.

The Y.E.P. mission is to provide young people with first time structured jobs that teach positive working skills and habits which will serve them throughout life. Y.E.P. young people also experience the positive reward of getting paid for a job well done. Most of these work projects take place in an outdoor setting and build self-reliant leaders and team members.  Completing these challenging work projects develops our young men and women into self-confident and contributing adults. In addition, Y.E.P. government agency office positions give excellent grounding in the world of management.

Wild Gratitude

Gratitude looks like this.: More Hellos from WLP's 130 Rescued Challis/Idaho Wilds

No doubt, the greatest reward in rescuing wild lives is the lasting love, loyalty, mutual respect and appreciation returned by wild hearts.

This Love is Wild. 

Video ©2015 Andrea Maki/Music © BC Smith

Wild Hellos

A Special Collection of Wild Hellos from WLP's 130 Wilds

Gratitude looks like this. By far, the greatest reward in rescuing wild lives is the lasting love, loyalty, mutual respect and appreciation returned by wild hearts. 

Wild hellos, truth, humor and love are treasured forever and beyond compare.

Enjoy the wonderfulness in this special collection video of wild loves that directly benefit from your support in a lasting manner.

Video ©Andrea Maki 2015. Music © BC Smith.

Support WLP's 130 Rescued Wilds Today